Although “all men are created equal”, Recreation Professionals face the trials and tribulations of meeting the needs and interests of a diverse population. Traditionally there are many more women than men in health care facilities. Activity calendars often reflect an abundance of activities that are female-oriented such as crafts, cooking, domestic activities, and beauty groups, with the occasional Men’s Club making an appearance. It is extremely important to overcome this challenge and provide programming that is specially designed for the male population.
Morris Mandel once said, “No two men are alike, and both of them are happy for it.” Men, just like women, have a variety of leisure and recreational interests so it is impossible to develop a “one-size-fits all” approach. However, the men in our health care facilities may find interest in some of the following : sports, cars, trucks, trains, boats, planes, outdoor work, building, woodworking, painting, politics, military, police, fire and rescue workers, fishing/hunting, nature and outdoors, animals, music, movies, physical games, exercise, community trips, children, board games, collections (coins, stamps, sports cards, matchbox cards, model trains, etc.) and parlor/casino games. Many of these activities need to be adapted for the individual male participant, but if we are creative we can accommodate these needs and leisure activity interests.
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SPORTS & PHYSICAL GAMES
Activity professionals offer residents the opportunity to increase or maintain current level of physical abilities through a variety of exercise programs, physical games and sports. Some examples of exercise activities may include: music and movement, Tai Chi, walking club, stretching, dancing, wheelchair aerobics, rhythm band, and so on.
Physical games and sports add a little friendly competition and teambuilding to the mix and may include adapted versions of: basketball, horseshoes, bowling, volleyball, ball games of all kinds, toss and target toss games, shuffleboard, kickball, table tennis, golf, and many more.
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